Gypsum mining starts up on Ludwig site

A popular offroad four-wheeling destination has been fenced off after active mining operations began west of Yerington.

Art Wilson Mining has begun work at Ludwig, which was home to the Morning Star Mine and has fenced off 300 acres.

Safety Director Jesi McKee said the Carson City mining company has had considerable difficulty with people cutting their gates and fences.

“It’s completely closed to the public,” she said. “We’ve started to move material in preparation to start mining. It’s now considered an active mine.

The company plans to begin mining gypsum at the site very soon,” she said.

“It’s amazing how many people drive through gates and fences, or cut their way in,” she said. “We’ve had many problems with trespassers out there.”

Ludwig is located on the west slope of the Singatse Range between Mason Valley and the northern tip of Smith Valley.

A big copper strike occurred there in 1907 at the Morning Star Mine, and the town of Ludwig was created in 1908 to house miners.

The town was once home to 1,000 people.

The mines were served by the Nevada Copper Belt Railroad from Wabuska starting in 1911. According to the Nevada Appeal, the train tracks were taken up in 1942.

Gypsum mining first started at the site in the 1940s.

The site features several concrete mill structures, many of which were painted with Egyptian symbols since the mines closed.

McKee said the site is not safe for members of the public, and people should avoid mines whether they are active or closed.

Gypsum is used in the manufacture of drywall.